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Bucket list experience:

Last updated: 09 November, 2022
Expert travel writer: Dana Facaros

As prime spots where Van Gogh lived and painted, the towns of Arles and Saint-Remy both regret not hanging on to any of Van Gogh’s original works while he was alive. To make up for it, each has set up a self-guided Van Gogh Walk, pinpointing the scenic spots where the master planted his easel.

When doing the walk in Arles, spare some time to see the Espace Van Gogh in the former hospital on Place du Dr Félix Rey, where he had his ear stitched up and was later locked up. Inside you’ll find exhibits chronicling his stay. The hospital’s courtyard has been remodelled to resemble as closely as possible his famous painting ‘Le Jardin de l’Hôtel de Dieu’. You’ll also pass by the Reattu Fine Arts Museum, which houses many of Van Gogh letters, and the famous Café Terrace on the Place du Forum.

Don't miss

After your walk, visit the Van Gogh Foundation on Place Honore Clair, which displays art (paintings, sculpture, photography, texts) in homage to Van Gogh.

Recommended itineraries by our writers that include this experience

Price: Free
Minimum age: Any
Age suitable: 13+
When: All year around
Duration: 1-2 hours

Getting there & doing it

For the self-guided walk, pick up information and a map at the Arles tourist office on Boulevard des Lices before setting out – or download the map from the website before you go. The walk traces a path across the city, with information boards that include photos of his paintings along the way. The tourist office also produces an excellent little booklet that you can download with information on all of the stops and any associated paintings.

There are several local tour operators that will take you on the walk, either specifically or as part of a broader tour (see our recommendations below of who to go with). The major plus is a knowledgeable guide, who’ll have information, insights and anecdotes on Van Gogh you won’t get if you go it alone.

When to do it

Obviously, you can follow the walk at any time of year, but it’s most picture-perfect when Van Gogh’s favourite flowers are in bloom: go in April and May for the irises, or in late June to early August for the sunflowers.

The Foundation is open all year round, seven days a week, though it closes on Mondays in winter months. The Espace van Gogh is also open all year round, seven days a week, though it closes on Sundays.

Our selection of the best Viator tours of this attraction or activity

Half-Day Van Gogh Tour of Provence from Avignon

Half-Day Van Gogh Tour of Provence from Avignon

Avignon

Enjoy a small-group tour from Avignon to follow the steps of Van Gogh with an experienced guide. During this half day tour we will guide you...

€75 | Rating 4.75 / 5 [16 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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In the footsteps of Van Gogh in Provence from Avignon

In the footsteps of Van Gogh in Provence from Avignon

Avignon

Follow in the footsteps of a Post-Impressionist master on this 6-hour Van Gogh in Provence small-group day trip. Visit UNESCO-listed Arles a...

€76 | Rating 4.02 / 5 [36 ratings]

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Tour supplied by:

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History and Van Gogh in Provence from AIX-EN-PROVENCE

History and Van Gogh in Provence from AIX-EN-PROVENCE

Aix-en-Provence

Visit the main historic cities and places Provence is famous for. Small group tour. Kind and professional driver/guides. Fully air/condition...

€124 | Rating 4.66 / 5 [9 ratings]

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Van Gogh in Arles & St Remy, Wine Tour in Chateauneuf du Pape from Avignon

Van Gogh in Arles & St Remy, Wine Tour in Chateauneuf du Pape from Avignon

Avignon

In Arles, discover the sites well preserved and painted by Van Gogh (Le Cafe la Nuit, Le Jardin de l'Hôtel Dieu). In Saint-Rémy de Provenc...

€142 | Rating 4.01 / 5 [64 ratings]

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Our writer’s picks of the best places to stay near this experience, closest first

Grand Hotel Nord Pinus

Arles, Provence, France[0 miles]

A stylish, storied hotel full of character and charm in the historic heart of Arles. Rich in local history, and a favourite of visiting bullfighters.

Official star rating:

Hotel Particulier Arles

Arles, Provence, France[0.3 miles]

Arles’s most luxurious boutique hotel occupies an elegant townhouse dating back to 1824; centrally located, opulently romantic and with a spa, garden and pool.

Official star rating:

Hotel B Design & Spa

Paradou, Provence, France[14.6 miles]

An intimate retreat: ultra-contemporary, minimalist hotel secluded in the olive groves under the Alpilles. Expect high design luxury suites, a spa and a gourmet restaurant tucked under the Les Baux-en-Provence castle.

Official star rating:

Baumaniere Hotel

Les Baux-de-Provence, Provence, France[14.7 miles]

Legendary country hotel and three-star Michelin restaurant, in a magical setting just below Les-Baux-en-Provence.

Official star rating:

Our writer’s recommendations of other bucket list experiences our writer says you must do in this destination, closest first

Arles Amphitheatre

Arles, Provence, France[0.3 miles]

The biggest and one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in France, where 20,000 would come to watch gladiators fight to the death.

Best for ages: 18+ | £8

Courses Camarguaises

Arles, Provence, France[0.3 miles]

Provence’s bloodless bullfights are one of the region’s most exciting and best-loved sports, a cultural phenomenon held in the magnificent Roman amphitheatre of Arles.

Best for ages: 8+ | £8 | 1+ hours

Arles Museum of Antiquity

Arles, Provence, France[1 miles]

An archaeology museum housing a fascinating collection of sculptures, mosaics and much more from the ancient Arles region – artifacts date from prehistoric times until the 6th century AD.

Best for ages: 13+ | £5

The Camargue

Arles, Provence, France[6.9 miles]

A massive, wildlife-filled river delta, where gardians (French cowboys) ride white ponies and herd black Camargue bulls amid vast flocks of pink flamingos. Brilliant for horse-riding, hiking, cycling, and wildlife safaris.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free

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A low white wall painted with Van Gogh's signature
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Vincent Van Gogh Foundation

Arles, Provence, France[0.1 miles]

Arles is world-famous thanks to Van Gogh, but to the city’s eternal regret no one bought any of his paintings. This foundation, in the newly renovated Hotel Leautaud de Donines, is dedicated to art exhibitions inspired by the artist.

Best for ages: 18+ | £9

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Les Alyscamps

Arles, Provence, France[0.8 miles]

An evocative, romantic Roman burial ground – once the most famous cemetery in medieval Europe. It’s the burial site of the legendary St Trophime and the first bishops of Arles, and remains an important stop on the pilgrimage to Compostela.

Best for ages: 18+ | Free

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In the stunning setting of Les Baux, learn all about Provence’s greeny-golden nectar on these free tastings of these award-winning oils. Open all year-round, but short walks through the olive groves and visits to the mill are also offered from June to September.

Best for ages: 13+ | Free | 2 hours

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St-Paul-de-Mausole

Saint-Remy-de-Provence, Provence, France[19.9 miles]

The asylum where Van Gogh spent 1888-89 is a masterpiece of Provencal Romanesque, and today specializes, appropriately, in art therapy. His room and reproductions of the paintings he made there are on display, along with temporary exhibitions.

Best for ages: 18+ | £4

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